A Guide to Skype: What it is and How to Use it

Skype is an online phone system that is free to download. Skype to Skype calls are free anytime and basically refer to one computer calling another computer via Skype. Skype to Landline calls do cost money, but still at a relatively reasonable price. Skype is a popular tool for many people who make large number of calls via their business, for people who are travelling and are far from home, or for people who want to contact friends and family who reside in another city or country. So, here are the basics of Skype for those wanting just a little more information before starting on the road to Skype.

Signing Up:

To sign up just pay a visit to www.skype.com and download the Skype software. You will be prompted to fill in your personal information and create a user name and password. Once you download the software to your computer you will notice the Skype sign-in screen will be similar to the MSN messenger sign-in screen. To sign in to Skype just open the program on your computer and enter your user name and password. You will need a Microphone and Speakers to make any Skype calls on your computer.

Adding Contacts:

To add a contact to your Skype click the Add button on the top left side of the Skype screen. Enter the information of the person you wish to add and hit search. Find the appropriate person from the list populated and click Add Contact to your list of contacts.

Skype to Skype Calls:

You can call your Skype contacts for free via the Skype software. To do this open Skype and highlight the contact you wish to call and then press the big green button at the bottom of your Skype screen. This will prompt the call through to your friend. A popular feature of this is for people who own webcams as they can talk and see their friends at the same time, which is an added bonus for friends and family separated by a vast distance. Refer to the Video calling section for further information on this function.

Skype to Landline Calls:

This is also referred to as SkypeOut. To do this click the blue button on the top of the screen named "Call Phone." You will then enter in the phone number on the dialling screen and press the big green button at the bottom of the screen. These calls will cost money, but you can purchase Skype Credit at a relatively cheap price to make Skype to Landline calls.

Video Calls:

To use the Video call function you will need Skype 2.0 or later, a Webcam, Microphone, and Speakers. Once you plug in your Webcam and sign-in Skype will automatically test your Webcam settings to ensure everything is working correctly. You can set your Skype settings to automatically start your Webcam, or you can do it manually at your discretion.

Additional Features:

There are a few additional features of Skype you can delve into once you become more acquainted with the program. Two of the more popular features are Voicemail for any missed calls, as well as an Instant messaging program similar to MSN Messenger.

Skype is a great way to stay in contact with people around the world at a reasonable price, or even better yet free for computer to computer calls. It is of sound quality and simple to use, which is why it has spread so quickly across the internet world. I have done my fair share of searching for another such program and have found nothing that comes even close to comparing to Skype, so if you're searching for a great way to make calls this is the program for you.